Raleigh, North Carolina —The Delta Dental Foundation (DDF) is seeking applications from community-based oral health programs and organizations in North Carolina for its 2018 Smiles for Kids grants program.

This year, DDF will award up to $45,000 to organizations across the state that specifically focus on children’s oral health, particularly among underserved populations.

“Tooth decay is the most common, chronic childhood disease, and children in North Carolina are three times more likely to miss school due to oral health-related issues,” said Curt Ladig, chief executive officer of Delta Dental of North Carolina. “Through the Smiles for Kids grants program, we are proud to support local programs to help ensure more underserved children receive better access to dental care and are educated about good oral health, so they grow up healthy and successful in school and in life.”

Upon submission, the Delta Dental Foundation will evaluate each application based on factors such as the program’s focus on children, potential value to the community, measurable results and the level of local community support it attracts.

Applications will be accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 20. For applications, grant guidelines and more details, visit: http://bit.ly/2zbrkVF.

About Delta Dental Foundation
The Delta Dental Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization established in 1980, which serves as the philanthropic arm of Delta Dental of Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and North Carolina. The Foundation’s goals are to support education and research for the advancement of dental science and to promote the oral health of the public through education and service activities, particularly for those with special needs. For more information, visit www.deltadentalnc.com.